Franz Jospeh Medals

[Richardxyz]

I was hoping for some information on these Franz Joseph medals I've recently purchased among a small lot of medals. Could someone enlighten about their award criteria. Also the enamelled one has enamelling on the crown which I haven't seen on some examples. Any help much appreciated!

[CVRC]

Hi

You have from left to right small or big silver bravery medal but wrong ribbon and swords were not right attachment for that kind of medal but simple silver metal clasps(for second,third or fourth award).Scond one is silver military merit cross whit crown for officers.Third one is iron military merit cross for NCOs.Silver bravery medals of both types are common and were awarded in huge quantities.First you have to quallifay for bronze grade than small silver and then big silver medal (act of bravery).For military merit crosses lenght of service on front,disthinguish service on front and so on.Also plentifoull of both grades and common ones.

Regards

CVRC

[Dave Danner]

The first is a small silver Bravery Medal and is on the wrong ribbon. The one it is on is that of the Austrian WW1 Commemorative Medal. It should be on the Bravery Medal ribbon (which is what the other two are on).

The second is the Silver Cross of Merit with Crown. This one is with swords and is on the ribbon of the Bravery Medal, indicating a WW1 military award. This was primarily a civil merit award, but during World War One was extended to military personnel. The Bravery Medal ribbon indicated an award for service at or near the front (whether military or civilian) and was authorized on 20 September 1914. The swords indicates a bravery award and was authorized on 13 December 1916.

Last is the Iron Cross of Merit with Crown, a lower grade of the Cross of Merit created on 1 April 1916. This too is on the Bravery Medal ribbon.

There were at least 8 (Kittner, Braun, Resch, Rothe & Neffe, Mayer & Söhne, Bachruch, Kunz, Brüder Schneider) and probably more authorized makers of the Cross of Merit, so variants in things like the crown are common.

[Richardxyz]

CVRC and Dave thanks for your advice, it was the Silver Cross of Merit with Crown that caught my eye, I do my like enamelled awards. Its ring is heavily stamped so later I might try to identify the make with the aid of a magnifying glass.